Giro winner Hesjedal confirmed for Canadian WorldTour events

Recovering from the injuries he suffered at the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia winner Ryder Hesjedal has been confirmed as taking part in the two Canadian WorldTour races to be held in September.

The Garmin-Sharp rider announced yesterday that he would be present in the Grands Prix Cyclistes de Québec and Montréal, which will take place on September 7th and 9th respectively. His presence will be a boost to the races, both because he is Canada’s best-known road rider and also because of the attention his Giro win will bring.

“I love competing all over the world, but there is something extra special about racing at home,” he said. “I look forward to these races all year and am proud and excited to compete at home in Canada.”

He finished fourth in the Québec race in 2010, the year the races were first held. He then finished third in Montreál.

Last year was quieter, with placings of 28th and 11th, but he is clearly in strong form this season and will line out with goals of winning.

The races are the only WorldTour races in North America. Each of the UCI’s 18 WorldTour teams will take part, with the full lineup to be revealed on August 20th.

Hesjedal will presumably be granted strong backing by his Garmin-Sharp team.